Man Who Opened Fire At Mall Given House Arrest And Allowed To Continue Working

On 16 April, a shooter opened fire on a busy Columbiana Centre, with 14 people left injured.

Now, Jewayne M. Price, 22, who admits to firing a gun in self defence during the incident, has been given house arrest and allowed to continue working while awaiting trial.

Price was charged with the unlawful carrying of a pistol and is one of three people who were initially detained by the Columbia Police Department in connection with the shooting.

The other two people were later cleared and released.

At a hearing on Sunday, 17 April, confirmed that Price would be placed on house arrest and a $25,000 bond was set.

The police department took to Twitter to share the news: "Update: In a court hearing a short time ago, a judge set a $25,000 surety bond for shooting suspect Jewayne Price. He is also on house arrest & ordered to wear an ankle monitor. The judge will allow Price to travel from home to work certain times of the day."

Price's attorney J. Todd Rutherford said the incident was 'unprovoked by him'.

He added: "He called the police, turned himself in, turned over the firearm that was used in this, and gave a statement to the Columbia Police Department. That is why he got a $25,000 bond."

While there were thankfully no fatalities at the shopping mall shooting, 14 were injured; the oldest among them was 73, with the youngest being 15.

Columbia Police Chief W.H. Holbrook said of the incident: "We don't believe this was random," adding: "We believe they knew each other and something led to the gunfire."

After preliminary investigations, it is thought that at least three people displayed firearms in the shopping centre, with police trying to ascertain which suspects fired their weapons.

"When I was coming out, you could see baby strollers turned over, people's phones and left keys. It was kind of a hectic situation.

"My biggest thing was — and not to sound selfish — was to make sure that our family was OK and to get them out safely because this is not something that we love to do for Easter weekend."

Police continued to scour the area after the shooting stopped, while workers at the centre gathered in an empty car park, waiting to be let back inside.

The Columbiana Centre issued a statement following the shooting: "Today's isolated, senseless act of violence is extremely upsetting and our thoughts are with everyone impacted.

"We are grateful for the quick response and continued support of our security team and our partners in law enforcement."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677